What is an SLPA?

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants

​Who are SLPA's?
SLPA stands for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. SLPA's are support personal who, following academic coursework, fieldwork, and on-the-job training, perform tasks prescribed, directed, and supervised by ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP.)

What do I need to know about SLPA's?
To become certified with a license in the state of Louisiana, SLPA's must earn a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and complete a minimum of 225 hours of field work experience, with the first 100 hours being through an accredited educational institution. 

SLPA's can assist SLP's with...

• Conduct speech-language screenings (without interpretation.) 
• Provide direct treatment assistance to clients under the supervision of an SLP.
• Follow and implement documented treatment plans or protocols developed by a supervising SLP.
• Document patient or client progress toward meeting established objectives and reporting the information to a supervising SLP.

Can an SLPA replace my child's SLP?
Assistants can not replace qualified speech-language pathologists. SLPA's can not be employed without an SLP supervisor. The SLP must have "first contact" with all individuals on the caseload and provide direct supervision (in-view observation and guidance) for a minimum of 1 hour a week.

Resources:​
www.asha.org 
www.lbespa.org

Thank's for reading! I'm so glad you're here!
Lindsey Bogard B.A. PL-SLPA
Provisional Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant 
Social Media Strategist